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Reds' Latos has surgery for torn knee cartilage

Published on NewsOK
Modified: February 14, 2014 at 5:24 pm •
Published: February 14, 2014

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Starter Mat Latos had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee on Friday while the rest of the Cincinnati Reds pitchers and catchers got physicals and worked out.

Their spring training started with a setback.

Latos is expected to be sidelined for about 10 days. He tore cartilage while throwing in Arizona a few days ago, and an MRI found the tear. He had arthroscopic surgery on Friday morning while his teammates were getting ready for the first workout of camp.

"It was an easy repair, a quick repair," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "Very minor surgery. He'll probably resume his throwing program in about 10 days."

Latos went 14-7 last season with a 3.16 ERA in 32 starts. He had surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow at the end of the season and had recovered well from that operation. He felt something happen in the knee during one of his throws while he worked out on Tuesday.

When the knee was sore a day later, Latos went for an MRI that found the tear. The Reds think there's a good chance he can be ready to start the season.

Except for Latos, the pitching staff is healthy as the Reds open camp under first-year manager Bryan Price, who was elevated from pitching coach to replace Dusty Baker. Price moved from field to field during the first workout on Friday, forcing himself to let his assistant coaches fill their roles without interference.

"First day with the pitchers and catchers as manager, it's an unbelievably exciting time for me," Price said. "More importantly, the guys looked good."

Price stood by the side of one of the bullpen mounds and watched catcher Brayan Pena work with minor leaguer Chad Rogers, a right-hander who made it to Triple-A last season.